Jessica Darrow

Introduction to Yoga Teacher Training

Monday: 5:30

1

Yoga is not just a workout, it is so much more. I always tell people the reason that I love
yoga so much is because it encompasses the mind, body and soul. The other person usually ends
the conversation with a curious and puzzled look on their face, but I know I have sparked their
interest in taking a class. When I'm done with a yoga class, I feel incredible. I can feel the
positive energy flowing through my entire body. I'm able to focus more effectively, breathe
easier, and deal with stressors that would normally overwhelm me and find the solutions for
positive outcomes. But most importantly, yoga has taught me about self-love and acceptance. I
believe all of these lessons are because of the time that yoga allows me to spend with myself in
meditation and self-reflection. What is it about yoga that helps us be more present and mindful?
In a time where we are consumed by meetings, technology, commitments, and constant
stress, why are millions of American's turning to yoga and meditation? What is it about this
ancient philosophy that makes people believe and continue to practice and share it? Yoga helps
us be present in the here and now. We are so distracted by technology that we experience life in
an instant. Yoga gives us the opportunity to come to our mats and let go of any distractions that
may be troubling us at that time. "Yoga brings a sense of expansion on many levels. Every yoga
practice represents a rising of consciousness that creates a reversal of its current state or
condition. Whenever you truly come back to yourself, you have the chance to appreciate your
essential wholeness" (Brown,.p.11). Self-reflection with emotions that you're not expecting to
surface are guaranteed. You may burst out in laughter at any time, break down in tears or just
leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. What you can expect through yoga, is the beauty of
change and being open to new experiences.
So, what is yoga? Yoga is a series of poses or asanas done to move the kundalini energy
that lays dormant at the base of your spine through the rest of your body. The purpose of moving
Jessica Darrow
Introduction to Yoga Teacher Training
Monday: 5:30

2

the energy is so we can get in touch with the core essence of who we are. By moving the
kundalini energy, in a series of poses you may stimulate the immune system, calm the nervous
system, awaken the throat and sacral chakras or prepare the body for a deep mediation.
Meditation is the ultimate purpose of yoga, because the practice of yoga helps us achieve inner
stillness. "While the human mind tends to drift into thoughts of the past or future, the human
body exists only in the present moment. Coming back to your body draws your mind back to the
present. Worries drop away and there are no more "shoulds" or "musts". Each time you come to
the present moment, you drop a certain amount of baggage. You may pick it up again shortly
thereafter, but the point is that you have practiced letting go" (Brown,.p.9).
In the past eight weeks I have dedicated my life to not only practicing yoga, but to
studying yoga. In that time, I have learned and come to realize that when I make more time for
yoga and meditation, I have more time to do the other things that I love. Yoga leaves me
extremely open minded and peaceful after each practice. I am able to get rid of all of the clutter
and negative energy that I may have going on inside of my head. It feels as though I have more
time in my day because I am not wasting my time focusing on things I don't have to. I'm not
focusing on the past or the future. I am focusing on the present moment.
Is it possible that yoga is a model for the development of higher consciousness? In order
for one to undergo profound personal growth, Carl Jung a Swiss psychologist believed that the
individual must be open to the parts of himself beyond his own ego. Carl Jung was interested in
the techniques of Tantra yoga and believed they gave insight into the unconscious mind. Tantric
yoga teaches us how to use kundalini energy and how to be full of joy in every moment. In the
context of kundalini energy, Jung saw another means to access the power of the unconscious and
attain self-realization (Mercier,.p.25). "Some tantric techniques include the repetition of
Jessica Darrow
Introduction to Yoga Teacher Training
Monday: 5:30

3

mantras, the use of breath control, healing mudras and the use of mandalas for meditation"
(Mercier,.p.22).
Almost 8 years ago, I was in a terrible car accident that crushed both of my feet. After
multiple surgeries I was told that I was going to have to accept the fact that I was going to spend
the rest of my life in pain. My right foot healed incorrectly due to a fracture that was never
treated or diagnosed. I spent years going to multiple surgeons, neurologists, and physical
therapists to get my right foot back to normal. One doctor told me that I was mentally holding
my foot in the incorrect position subconsciously and that I was crazy. The medical treatments
and anger that I held on to were becoming unbearable. I was angry at the drunk driver that hit
me because I felt that she had taken away who I was. Every time my feet began to ache, I was
reminded of how angry I was at her for causing me to have so much pain in my life. I was losing
who I was not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. That is when I decided to
try yoga.
At first, I started practicing yoga twice a week just to help with my balance and stability.
Within a few weeks I felt stronger, had more energy to get through my day and I was beginning
to notice that the chronic pain I was so used to living with, was disappearing. Soon after I started
practicing yoga, I decided to start doing it every day. I asked myself, if doing yoga a few days a
week can make an impactful improvement in my life, what could practicing yoga every day do?
Within days, I became aware of the self-doubts and judgments within myself becoming less
critical. I was starting to be more comfortable in my skin and in who I was becoming.
Yoga has changed my life in more ways than just my physical experience. Yoga has
helped me overcome a lifelong battle of self-hatred and unrealistic expectations I put on myself
for not being the perfect size or shape. Yoga has taught me how to love myself, exactly as I am
Jessica Darrow
Introduction to Yoga Teacher Training
Monday: 5:30

4

through every imperfection I feel I have. Yoga has taught me to quiet my mind so I can focus on
what I truly want, not what I dont want. Yoga has shown me the beauty in unity and creating a
better world for all people.
While yoga has taught me so much, I truly believe the most important lesson that I have
experienced through my practice of yoga, was the power of forgiveness. I was able to forgive
the drunk driver that hit me, by learning to love myself unconditionally. I send the drunk driver
love, every single day for who she has helped me become. If it weren't for the darkness that she
brought to my life, I may never have found my light. She helped me discover my passion and
my purpose through the practice of yoga.
Through the practice of yoga, I have learned what my essence is. Yoga has exposed me
to me and has helped me find my purpose. Through the practice of yoga, I have learned that
when the inner self is fertilized, the outer self is stabilized to handle the suffering of day to day
life. Yoga doesnt make it so there arent any problems in your life, but yoga does give you the
tools to be able to handle the problems when they do arise. Yoga brings a unity that helps
connect us to other life forms and helps us connect to each other. I look forward to continuing to
study and learn more about yoga in the years to come. I am excited for the opportunity to share
the power of yoga with others. I believe the inner peace that comes from practicing yoga will
transcend everyone to a higher level of consciousness that will evolve all of humanity. Through
my own personal experience, I believe yoga is the key to changing the world.



Jessica Darrow
Introduction to Yoga Teacher Training
Monday: 5:30

5

References

Brown, Christina. The yoga bible: the definitive guide to yoga postures. Cincinnati, Ohio:
Walking Stick Press, 2003. Print.

Mercier, Patricia. The chakra bible: the definitive guide to working with chakras. New York:
Sterling, 2007. Print.